Eliminating Porosity in the Weld Bead of Automotive Axles

To solve the problem of pores in the weld bead of automotive axles, a study was made of the influence of various factors leading to the occurrence of porosity in steel joints welded by the robotic MIG/MAG process. Basically, the study focused on the influence the presence of a nitride-rich layer at the joint, the cleanliness of the surfaces to be welded, and the flow rate of the shielding gas. The results indicated that the presence of the nitride-rich layer generated by the plasma cutting process at the end of the tube corresponding to the base metal 1 significantly affected the resulting porosity in the weld bead. In addition to the experimental tests, practical tests were carried out on the shop floor in the axle production sector.